Innholdsfortegnelse for Issue 335 i Yours Magazine

We did it! My daughter and I conquered the Marie Curie trek across Dartmoor – over 14 miles, 13 tors, several blisters (and only a few tears)! It was an amazing event to be part of, with more than 200 walkers (plus an army of volunteers) all taking time out of their busy lives to help support the charity’s vital work caring for people with terminal illness. There was a wonderful spirit of camaraderie on the day buoying each other up when the going got tough and quite literally lending a helping hand to one another as we scrambled over rocks and across streams. With everyone’s generous donations we raised £570 but the whole event raised an enormous £60,000! And if that knowledge wasn’t reward enough, we also got a…

What’s all the fuss about? Guilt-free chocolate At last! A cocoa producer has come up with what it says is the world’s healthiest chocolate bar. Containing 40 per cent less sugar than an average bar, it’s made with the flesh and skin of the cocoa tree’s fruit which is high in fibre, minerals and vitamins – just don’t expect it to taste like a regular Dairy Milk! Initially it is being rolled out in chocolate shops and restaurants, it’s hoped they will be available in shops soon. END OF THE CONKER FIGHT? Remember battling a pal in a game of conkers? Sadly the game enjoyed by generations of children is facing a knockout blow with conkers increasingly in short supply due to a moth that attacks horse chestnut trees. Decades…

‘Children don’t know how to skip!’ ✒ I recently took my grandchildren to Butlins for a short holiday and one of the activities was a ‘skipping’ session. It was amazing how few children could do the group skipping, ie two holding and turning the rope and one or more skipping together over it. I remember everybody at primary school being able to skip. I think it needs to be brought back as an activity, perhaps in schools? What do other readers think? Debbie Howard, Surrey • Our star letter will receive a stunning The Elegant Rose and Freesia bouquet with chocolates from Flying Flowers. To order with free delivery call 0333 003 0858 or visit www.flyingflowers.co.uk…

✒ In a supermarket car park with my husband recently, I spotted two red kites soaring in the sky and we stood for a few moments admiring their spectacular acrobatics. But as we got nearer to the supermarket my husband laughed: “We  are daft. They’re artificial bird kites tied to the supermarket roof to scare off unwanted birds!” M Humphries, Leeds ✒While out with a friend we went into a shop where we both tried on tops and then bought them. After a little bit more shopping we returned to the car. I went to get a tissue out of my dress pocket, looked down and to my horror saw I had it on inside out, with all the seams showing and labels visible. We couldn’t stop laughing! J Ford,…

Agnes Brown (Brendan O’Carroll) in Mrs Brown’s Boys. The potty-mouthed, twinkly-eyed, meddling Dublin mammy has become a sit-com legend. Barbara Royle (Sue  Johnston) in The Royle Family (left) had to cope with lazy husband Jim and their somewhat selfish offspring! Nellie Boswell (Jean Boht) in Bread. Nellie (below right) was a comedy icon in the Eighties as the matriarch of her unruly Scouse clan whom she ruled with an iron fist and ceramic chicken! Ria Parkinson (Wendy Craig) in Butterflies. Brilliant as frustrated housewife and mother Ria in the late-Seventies/early-Eighties sitcom, co-starring Geoffrey Palmer and Nicholas Lyndhurst, Wendy is also known for earlier TV comedy mums in Not In Front of the Children, And Mother Makes Three. Edina Monsoon (Jennifer  Saunders) in Ab Fab. The telly mum you’d hate…

Bonfire Night has always been a challenging time for pets and their owners, with 45 per cent of all UK dogs – as well as thousands of cats, rabbits and other animals – distressed by fireworks. But nowadays as the bangs and rockets begin way before November 5, and sometimes go on right up to Christmas, fireworks are becoming an increasing problem. But what can you do to help? We asked Claire Stallard, an animal behaviour expert for Blue Cross, to share the latest thinking on how to keep pets safe and calm. “It all starts with controlling the environment they’re in to make it as comforting and relaxing as possible,” says Claire, “Close the curtains and blinds to shut out noise and allow them access to areas they perceive…

■ Dogs are a joy The love for a dog is unconstrained, and I want to give my dogs the best life they can possibly have. I lost my dog Itchy in 2016, and then this May, his brother Scratchy, who was almost 16. I have been grieving terribly but in July, my partner Charlotte and Megan (his stepdaughter from a previous relationship) persuaded me to get miniature poodle puppies, Sid and Nancy. They are helping to put a smile back on my face, but they have big paws to fill. ■ Talking is therapy I’m glad I made my BBC documentary in 2017, My Asperger’s and Me. I felt because I can articulate what it’s like to have Asperger’s, and some people with the condition can’t, I wanted to…

■ A. Vogel Echinaforce Echinacea Drops (£4.50/15ml) are a herbal remedy that reduces cold and cough symptoms, and also boosts your immune system. Available at Boots or www.avogel.co.uk ■ DLux 3000 Daily Vitamin D Oral Spray (£8.45/15ml) from betteryou.com or Boots. Only 10 per cent of your daily Vitamin D intake can come from food, so it could be worth considering a supplement during the dark winter months – as the vitamin is known to help your immune system. ■ Not all Vitamin C supplements are created equal. While pricey, Altrient Liposomal Vitamin C (£35.99, www.abundanceand health.co.uk) has been shown to perform better than many cheaper brands when it comes to absorption (and as an added bonus can make your skin up to 61 per cent firmer too!). ■ Bio-Kult Advanced…

Sharon Reid, Editor “I’m always busy but also I have very sensitive skin, so I need my beauty products to be effective, yet gentle. The winners this year have really earned their place.” Michelle Nightingale, Beauty Editor “I’m lucky enough to try brilliant products every day, but the standard this year was really high. Our winners deliver on their promises, so you can be sure they’re worth the spend.” Andrea Brough, 50 “In the past I’ve tried some high-end beauty products, with mixed results! So, I was really impressed with the lower-priced products. My favourite is Benefit’s Gimme Brow+ Gel. “ Noeleen Cuthbert, 63 “I tend to stick to the products that I know work for my skin, but I was really impressed with the Manuka Doctor night cream and…

When should I upgrade my phone? If you have a pay monthly contract, the best time to upgrade your phone is shortly before your contract comes to an end. If you try to upgrade it earlier, you may have to pay an exit fee. Which is the best deal – SIM only or with a handset? Think about whether you want the convenience of an all-in-one contract, where you pay one charge for the handset and a separate charge for the calls, texts and data you use but with the same phone company, or whether you’d rather pay for your handset separately and take out a SIM-only deal with whoever you choose. The real disadvantage of the all-in-one deals is that you’ve probably paid for the handset before your contract…

Guide to Wills & LPAs This updated guide has all the latest essential information on Wills and LPAs and why they’re so important. Peace of mind for you and your family is vital – that’s why Yours has partnered with Key and produced this guide to help you make informed decisions. • The Yours Guide to Wills and LPAs Call free: 0808 252 9468 Write to: Key, Yours Retirement Services, FREEPOST NWW201A, Preston PR2 2TF with your name, address and phone number and which service interests you most. Guide to looking after yourself as a carer If you’re caring for someone who’s living with a terminal illness, it can be hard to find time for yourself. This useful guide is full of tips and information to help you take care…

COLLECT CHESTNUTS AND CONKERS There’s nothing quite like the smell of sweet chestnuts roasting on a fire in autumn and, thanks to some scorching days in summer, this year’s chestnuts should be extra-large and delicious. Forage for some in the woods and while doing so, pick up some prickly horse chestnuts and peel them open to reveal a shiny conker. Don’t forget though, horse chestnuts are not edible! EXPLORE ANCIENT EGYPT Tutankhamun: Treasures of the Golden Pharaoh, Saatchi Gallery, London, November 2-May 3, 2020 Commemorating 100 years since the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb, this incredible exhibition features more than 150 original artefacts that focus on the significance and meaning behind the young King’s burial items. This is the last time these precious treasures are being displayed in the UK before…

Panoramic paradise A trip to Paris isn’t complete without making your way to the top of the iconic wrought–iron Eiffel Tower. If you’ve got a head for heights and fancy a challenge, skip the queues (and knock €15 off your ticket fee) by taking the stairs up to the second floor. While there are many steps to climb – 674 to be exact – you’ll be rewarded with views of the city’s sweeping skyline. Roam like royalty Covering 25 hectares, the 17th Century Luxembourg Gardens is a great spot on a sunny day. Once a royals-only stomping ground, members of the public can now spend hours strolling its winding paths, formal terraces, chestnut groves and manicured lawns, while seeking out the 106 statues dotted throughout. Off-beat eat Enjoy French cuisine…

■ We’ve partnered with Eldercare to show how you can help your loved ones live independently in their own home. Watch the video at yours.co.uk to hear from Rosie, our Care Editor ■ Respite care is vital for the carer’s own health but can feel difficult to organise. Ask your local Social Services for a Needs Assessment. Visit www.ageuk.org.ukor call 0800 678 1602 ■ Well Pharmacy can organise your repeat prescriptions and delivery for free, you just have to pay for your prescription (if applicable) and upload your name, address and GP details. Visit www.well.co.uk If you’re caring for someone with a life-limiting illness, this free guide is full of useful tips to help you take care of your own needs, too. • Call free: 0800 716 146.…

Here at Yours we know all too well that carers face many challenges, both emotional and practical. It can feel lonely, but you are not alone. There are more than six million carers across the UK and Yours magazine is helping to connect them with our free-to-join Carers in Touch Group and Forget Me Not Group for bereaved people. ■ To join either Carers In Touch or Forget Me Not groups simply complete this form and return it to Rosie Sandall, Yours, Media House, Peterborough, PE2 6EA or email: rosemary.sandall@bauermedia.co.uk In each issue Rosie meets one of these amazing group members and asks them to share their experiences and advice.…

This limited edition vest is both pretty and practical. £17, Damart Includes £5 donation to Breast Cancer Now Damart.co.uk 0871 200 9000 GOwalk Evolution Ultra – Victory shoes (2-10) are just so comfy. £62, Skechers Includes £5 donation to Breast Cancer Care www.skechers.com01707 624 772 Grab a pair of these fluffy socks £2.50, George Includes 50p donation to Tickled Pink direct.asda.com 01707 624 772 This Sateen Star Print Pyjama Set, (6-22) is luxurious enough to wear in or out of bed! £35, M&S Includes 25 per cent donation to Breast Cancer Now marksandspencer.com 0333 014 8000…

We’d love to see your snapshots from the Fifties, Sixties, Seventies and Eighties. Send your photos, marked Fashion We Wore, to the address on page 8, along with your name, address and a 50-word description of your outfit. 1959: I was 17 when this snap was taken. I loved this blue and brown patterned skirt and whenever I went out I people would remark how lovely it was. As you can imagine, I wore it quite often! Mrs Spencer, Norfolk 1946: Here I am, aged 18, wearing my very first suit in a dusty pink herringbone material. My wedge-heeled shoes were very fashionable at the time. I think I look very pleased with myself! Betty Burrows, Buckinghamshire…

They call it ‘Doctor Showbiz’. The impetus that makes performers and artistes carry on – if not regardless – then as soon as humanly possible after sickness or surgery. Strictly Come Dancing head judge Shirley Ballas is under the imaginary medic’s orders at the moment. On October 29, she’s scheduled to have an operation to remove her breast implants yet she’s determined to work through any post-op pain and take her place on the Strictly judging panel as usual on November 2. “My doctor says I have recuperation of a week but I want to do Strictly on the Saturday night,” she has said. “It’s not like I have to dance and do the cha cha cha or the samba.” Shirley’s reasons for surgery have neither to do with vanity…

■ PRACTICAL HELP Chemotherapy can mean it’s very hard for your loved one to get on with their usual routine so offering to help with a few of the jobs, such as the weekly shop or vaccuming the house, can be a lifeline. It can help to phrase your offer of support in a more specific way that means they don’t have to ask for help, so rather than saying, ‘how can I help?’ you could say, ‘I’d like to get you a snack, what do you fancy?’ ■ LITTLE THINGS MEAN A LOT You don’t need to send a gift or a big bunch of flowers to make a difference to someone going through chemotherapy. Sometimes a quick phone call to check in on them or a silly card…

WELL HELLO… This delightful picture of a nosy quokka, native to an island off the western coast of Australia, is one of the finalists in the 2019 Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards. The cute creatures, nocturnal marsupials, can grow up to 21in tall. The winning picture will be announced in November. Poppies for pets  WE LOVE… Pets at Home has released a limited edition range of poppy accessories for pets to support the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal. From a bandana (£3, left) to a poppy collar charm (£1), or a cute poppy Pac-A-Mac (£12, right) there’s plenty to choose from. ■ All profits will go to the Poppy Appeal. Available in-store and online at petsathome.com Nature news Meditation apps and music are big business. But a new study has revealed…

The laws on fireworks have been the same for years but now there is growing pressure on the government to review the regulations. The public affairs team at Blue Cross says: “We’d like to see further restrictions on the sale of fireworks, limiting them to licensed public occasions and organised events. We also recommend local authorities take the location of public displays into consideration when granting a licence and require they are well-publicised in the surrounding area. Quieter fireworks can also reduce the number of animals affected.” Horse-lover Julie Doorne has a (online-only) petition you can sign, pressing the government on an urgent review to minimise distress in animals. Visit www.change. org and type ‘review firework rules’ into the search bar.…

STAY HYDRATED Apply your body moisturiser and face cream straight after cleansing or showering while your skin is slightly damp to help lock in moisture. EXFOLIATE Once or twice a week, thoroughly exfoliate to get rid of any dead skin cells – this will brighten your skin and ensure your tan fades evenly. FAKE IT It might feel like the sun has disappeared until next summer, but you don’t have to say goodbye to that healthy glow. Here are our top three tanners… • Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Natural Bronze Gradual Tanner, £5.69/250ml As gradual tans go this one is definitely a Yours favourite. It’s easy to apply, hydrating and leaves a natural-looking golden glow. • Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Drops, £19.95/30ml Add just a couple of drops of this…

Long boots look great with a mid-length skirt or dress Boots in a statement shade will brighten up your winter wardrobe Skinny jeans or tights go well with chunky-heeled boots like this one Find your fit Struggling to find the perfect pair? These brands cater for all shapes and sizes… For different calf sizes… Try Duo Boots, which offers calf sizes from a slim-fitting 30cm to a wide-fit 50cm in sizes 2-9 ■ Call 0333 100 3455 or visit www.duoboots.co.uk For comfort and style… Try Hotter, which has a ranges of comfy styles in standard, wide fit (EE) and extra wide fit (EEE). ■ Call 01695 213 213 or visit www.hotter.co.uk For half sizes on the high street… Try M&S, where you’ll find most of the brand’s range available in…

Silver SAVER Save £5 on selected new season fresh flowers at Marks & Spencer online. A beautiful bouquet of 16 pink roses, plus berries and foliage is £30, instead of £35. The price includes free delivery on a day of your choice. ■ www.marksandspencer.com HELP WITH FUNERAL EXPENSES Arranging a funeral for a loved one is obviously an emotional experience. But it can be expensive and stressful too, with the average cost of a funeral being £3,757. If this is an issue, you could consider a direct cremation which typically costs between £1,000-£2,000. There won’t be a funeral service but the company collects the deceased, arranges cremation and delivers the ashes to you in a simple urn. Shopping around may be the last thing on your mind, but spending…

Subscriptions For the very latest subscription offers visit www.greatmagazines.co.uk/ yours-magazine or call 01858 438884 Back issues To order call 01858 438828 or email – bauer@subscription.co.uk Yours customer care If you have an advertising or offer query you need help with, call Angela Whenman on 01733 468444, Mon, Weds, Fri (mornings only). Yours on tape and CD A recorded version of Yours is available for blind and partially sighted readers from RNIB Newsagent. For a free sample and information call RNIB Newsagent Helpline on 0303 123 9999 or visit www.rnib.org.uk/ newsagent Don’t have a computer? We try to provide phone numbers as well as web addresses, but sometimes offers and information are only available online. If you don’t have a computer you can access the internet, with help, at libraries –…

YARN AND MATERIALS Part ball of Debbie Bliss Rialto DK (light worsted) weight yarn in either: For Mouse 1: shade 66 Vintage Pink Mouse 2: shade 54 Mint Mouse 3: shade 99 Mustard Small amount of white felt for the nose White embroidery thread for the whiskers Pair safety eyes Stuffing HOOKS AND EQUIPMENT 4mm (UK size 8) crochet hook Yarn needle Sewing needle TENSION Exact tension is not essential for this project, just adjust the hook size if necessary to give you a firm finish. FINISHED MEASUREMENTS Approx 5cm (2in) tall BEFORE YOU BEGIN…. Ch-chain; dc-double crochet; dc2tog- double crochet 2 stitches together; rep-repeat; ss-slip stitch; st(s)-stitch(es) BODY Make 2ch. Round 1: 6dc in second ch from hook. Round 2: 2dc in each st. (12 sts). Round 3: *1dc…

Another day, another town as part of our tour of A Woman of No Importance – this time Perth. Not the Perth in Oz – I get airsick on the second rung of a ladder – I mean Perth in Scotland. Alas we won’t get enough time to explore the place, with a week full of eight shows and then a minor hop for six days in Guildford, Surrey. Hey-ho, well I said I could do it when I wrote in… So to Scotland – in a play, as a member of one of the very best teams I’ve ever been part of. Now I must confess I never played Scotland in the days of Variety. I was too frightened by the horrific stories of the outspoken loathing of Southern…

Sanditon WEST COUNTRY If the stunning British coastline from Sanditon has inspired you to explore the West Country, head to Somerset to see where Jane Austen’s latest drama is set. For the most part, the series is based in the seaside town of Clevedon as well as Brean beach, where you’ll find seven miles of golden sands. Further up the coast is Sand Point – a natural pier on the Bristol Channel that offers a stunning coastline, perfect for picturesque picnics and coastal walks. You can stay at the National Trust’s Brean Cove Apartment, ideal for families and with a stunning sea view. ■ Discover more to do at Sand Point with The National Trust. Call 01278 751874 or visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/sand-point ■ Brean Cove Apartment sleeps four, dogs welcome, available…

Win tickets to see the Russian State Ballet of Siberia! The fabulous Russian State Ballet of Siberia returns in 2020 for a 22-venue tour from January 2-March 15. It will be the company’s 18th UK tour and will feature exquisite performances of four of the world’s most popular ballets: Coppélia, Sleeping Beauty, Swan Lake and The Nutcracker. The soloists and corps de ballet will be delighting audiences with their breath-taking physical ability and beautiful costumes as each storyline unfolds to the live accompaniment of the orchestra. We’re giving away five pairs of tickets to see Sleeping Beauty at Bournemouth Pavilion Theatre on March 13, 2020. ■ For full tour info/tickets visit www.raymondgubbay.co.uk T&Cs Subject to availability. Travel and accommodation not included. No cash alternative. Only valid for March 13, 2020.…

EXHIBITION IT’S ONLY ROCK & ROLL BUT I LIKE IT! Celebrating 50 years of music photography, It’s Only Rock & Roll But I Like It! showcases some candid shots of rock ’n’ roll legends as you’ve never seen them before, including John Lennon, David Bowie, Elvis Presley and The Rolling Stones. ■ October 1-November 26 at Gallerie Prints London. Call 0208 947 6898 or visit galerieprints.com to find out more FICTION AGATHA RAISIN Often dubbed the Agatha Christie of the 21st Century, MC Beaton’s Agatha Raisin is back with more mysteries to solve in Beating About the Bush. When Mrs Dunwiddy is found dead in scrubland, Agatha faces off with everyone, from secretive factory bosses to Russian officials. ■ Out October 24, rrp £18.99 DVD TREAT Return to the Merry Old…

Stephanie’s plea for older actresses Doc Martin and Open All Hours actress Stephanie Cole says more needs to be done to allow older women to thrive on screen. Although she feels the industry is slowly changing, she says it shouldn’t be taboo to hire an older actress or write stories for older characters. Absolutely, we say! STRING BAGS ARE BACK Once a familiar sight on the high street string bags are making a return. The supermarket chain Morrisons is trialling the bags for customers to carry loose fruit and veg home. The reusable bags cost £1 and are made from recycled cotton. BEEP BEEP! One of the smallest cars ever built is set to go on display at the Leeds Industrial Museum. The three-wheeled Scootacar is just 60in high, 87in…

Thank you so much ✒ My name is June McCleave and I’ve been campaigning for more people to register as potential blood stem-cell donors with blood cancer charity DKMS on behalf of my son Pete who was diagnosed with myeloma (a type of blood cancer) and given just five years to live if his match isn’t found. Yours kindly featured our story and the campaign. Thank you so much to everyone who responded. We have smashed our target and more than 30,000 people have been inspired to take that first step in becoming a potential lifesaver. My son is currently doing well and continuing to have chemotherapy to extend his life. He has just completed a Crumball car rally raising £25,000 for the charity. However, without a stem cell donation,…

✒ My seven-year-old daughter was showing her granddad some pictures she’d drawn and he kept asking her to describe them. She was OK with this at first but then she crossed her arms and looked at him angrily. “You know, Granddad, I don’t have the time or the crayons to explain them to you.” Jeena Sumner, London ✒ When my son was small he wanted to be a Cub Scout. He came home so excited after a meeting to say he was to be “unrolled!” the following week! Think he meant enrolled! How we laughed. Betty Rowell, Essex ✒ Just had to send this photo of my great-granddaughter Josie Rose enjoying her shopping trip. J Gulliford, Kent…

The delightful Anton Du Beke is having a ball on this year’s Strictly with his dance partner, EastEnders actress Emma Barton. And his huge army of fans are loving every minute. Of course over the years the star’s Strictly journey has often been a challenging one but always top class entertainment with contestants as diverse as tennis coach Judy Murray and politician Ann Widdecombe. But while he has mastered the art of going with the flow, he confesses being voted off last year’s show after just one week with his partner Susannah Constantine was his toughest Strictly moment. “I had spent a long time preparing for Strictly physically – then I left after one week! Being voted off is the worst. I hate it! I love the show and if…

During her long teaching career, Meg Fletcher lost count of how many times she asked the question: “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Whatever the reply, she always drew an answer from her young pupils who had many ambitions. In return she told them, “Go for it!” And she took her own advice after retiring as head of a Cumbrian primary school – flying off to Rwanda in East Africa to volunteer as an education management advisor. Originally, Meg (73) had only planned to spend two years in the developing East African country, previously afflicted by genocide. “It came as a real shock to me to realise that these children felt they had no control over their futures, so I had to keep coming back,” says…

Sneezing, wheezing and keeping the tissue industry booming? Winter may be the ‘most wonderful time of the year’ in some ways, but spending more time indoors with our loved ones can be a mixed blessing when it comes to sharing germs. Factor in a reduction in the exercise that seemed so tempting on long summer evenings, and a serious craving for stodgy comfort food, and you could be setting yourself up for winter sniffles. On average, adults get two or three colds per year, while children are likely to suffer more. But before you lock yourself away to hibernate, there are some simple steps that will not only help you ward off bugs, but will also help control your weight and boost your energy (important when – whisper it –…

If you’re on the hunt for a new anti-ageing night cream, a volumising shampoo or want to treat yourself to a new blusher, then don’t miss our beauty award winners. Forget filling your bathroom cupboards with products you don’t really need; we’ve been hard at work testing out the latest beauty buys, to find those essential products that really do deliver on their promises. Skin-saving skincare BEST CLEANSER Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Cleanser, £7.99/200ml This lightweight gel cleanser contains hyaluronic acid to lock in hydration. Noeleen says: “This easy-to-use gel removed my make-up easily and left my skin feeling clean and refreshed. I’ll definitely be recommending this one to my friends.” BEST EXFOLIATOR Nourish London Kale Enzymatic Exfoliator, £18/50ml Pomegranate enzymes and vitamin-rich kale gently exfoliate and protect against…

Is your winter coat looking a bit shabby, but you don’t want to splash out on having it professionally cleaned? With dry cleaning costing up to £30, it’s easy to understand why! The good news is that there are easy ways to clean your coat at home – for free! “When it comes to washing, winter coats tend to be neglected, yet they’re often the most expensive part of our wardrobe and worn every single day! Caring for them will ensure they stay looking good for longer and will save you pennies in the long run,” says our fashion editor, Michelle Nightingale. There are a few exceptions (see panel below) that need to be professionally cleaned but read on to start saving money. Active coats Dryer balls can help prevent…

Q A recent issue of Yours Retro brought back a happy memory of a radio programme I used to listen to called Journey into Space. Can I still buy this series on CD? S Chirgwin, Devon Yours says Yes – you can order the CD from Amazon.co.uk for around £25. Alternatively, you can listen for free online or download onto an MP3 player via www. oldtimeradiodownloads.com. You’ll find many classic programmes on this website, all free to listen to. Q I’d like to donate a Christmas box to charity. Could you tell me which organisations I can send one to? K Flack, Surrey Yours says Get in touch with your local Refuge or Women’s Aid group as they may have an appeal for either gifts, donations or essentials. Support our…

How adventurous are you when it comes to cooking? We can get stuck in a rut in life, especially with what we eat. Experimenting with new foods doesn’t have to be expensive or difficult, or involve hard-to-find ingredients. As part of our FitMind50 campaign in association with HSL, why not shake up your shopping list and try something a little different? SPICY CHORIZO AND BUTTER BEAN STEW Serves: 4 Prep: 5 mins Cook: 15 mins 2 OF YOUR FIVE A DAY, GLUTEN FREE 200g (7oz) cooking chorizo 2 x 400g cans (14oz) chopped tomatoes 2 x 400g cans (14oz) butter beans 1 tbps ready-made pesto (red or green) 1 tbsp of The Groovy Food Company Organic Virgin Coconut Oil infused with Chilli & Garlic (from Tesco) 1. Slice the chorizo…

We’re prone to claim that many aspects of life were better when we were young, but I think we all agree that dentistry is definitely not one of them. My postbag bulged with your memories of suffering at the hands of school dentists. Norman Dunn was only six when he was called from his class to see the dentist: “I took one look at him and fled across the playground into the toilets and locked myself in. Two big lads were sent to drag me back in. I was petrified and screamed the place down. One extraction later, I was sent home for a good telling-off.” Poor little lad – no wonder Norman is now happy to have dentures! Dot Ross was the same age when she had two teeth…

We can help you find… ■ Like-minded friends ■ A new romance ■ Long-lost friends & family ■ Just about everything Seeking friendship Find a like-minded penpal or companion for outings Tall male, slim, fair, 65, seeks an attractive lady, as a penfriend and to possibly meet, interests include music, art, theatre, walking, countryside, animals, reading and writing. East Mids/South Yorks area OCT2-201 Male, 52, seeks good friends, loves theatre, classical music, Radio 2, jigsaws, Eurovision, shopping and going out. Yorks/Manchester area OCT2-202 Single male, 51, tall, caring, kind, loving, suffers anxiety, loves animals, seaside, countryside, films, music, seeks a caring, kind lady. South Yorks area OCT2-203 Lady, 55, seeks male or female friends to write to, enjoys music, theatre, art, sci-fi, animals, quizzes and travel. Any area OCT2-204 Married…

Millions of tourists visit the City of Light every year as it has so much to offer, from famous finds to hidden gems. Thinking of visiting for the first time? Or perhaps you know the city like the back of your hand? Either way, check out our must-see sights and quirky haunts that’ll make your trip a magical and memorable one. FIRST-TIME VISIT Completely new to Paris? Don’t miss these must-see sights ■ The Louvre Museum is famous for its many masterpieces, including the iconic Mona Lisa. It’s impossible to see everything in one visit, so grab a floorplan and decide which artistic periods to focus on. Tip: avoid the worst of the queues by entering via the Carrousel du Louvre entrance. ■ The Musée d’Orsay holds a mesmerising collection…

Caring for someone at home involves many jobs, but the most essential is ensuring they are getting nutritious food and sufficient fluids. Under-nutrition affects one million over-65s and increases the risk of ill-health and infections. It’s easy for a person who is not very active to lose weight, so regularly weigh them and keep a weekly record to monitor their weight. Getting thinner is not a normal part of getting older, so if you notice a sudden weight loss consult your GP as it could signify serious health problems. Signs of weight loss include: ✔ Loss of appetite ✔ Jewellery becoming looser or slipping off ✔ Loose dentures, difficulty eating or other oral problems ✔ Lack of food or food that has gone uneaten in the fridge ✔ Difficulty keeping…

SCORPIO OCT 24-NOV 22 The new Moon on the 28th heralds fresh personal chapters, including a decision about a return. ■ For a weekly update call 09044 705707 SAGITTARIUS NOV 23-DEC 20 You could see a stuck scenario and decide to shake things up and make the changes that bring happier times. ■ For a weekly update call 09044 705708 CAPRICORN DEC 21-JAN 20 You could make quite an impact with something you feel very passionately about, that you feel you’re meant to do. ■ For a weekly update call 09044 705709 AQUARIUS JAN 21-FEB 18 You’ll stand firm for justice, as nominated spokesperson or advocate for change. Ambitions have a rewarding outcome. ■ For a weekly update call 09044 705710 PISCES FEB 19-MARCH 20 Liberating plans could be laced…